Spiritual Preparation for Passover

The method of modern dining takes many forms. Some meals are eat and run event. Other meals are eaten with family in front of the Television. For most the time honored tradition of dining at a table without distractions and interruptions is a thing of the past.  The ritual meal which plans for and expects God’s presence is a relic which has been forgotten in contemporary settings.

Seder Plate at Passover

With the exception of our Thanksgiving meal most people have tossed time consuming meal preparation and environmental atmosphere setting as too laborious and unnecessary. The removal of intentional sit down suppers has created a void spiritually and socially within families and the fabric of our society.

Our Passover Haggadah with explanations

The Passover Seder is an intentionally spiritual meal. Them family is to select a lamb, which is a gift for God and give special care to the animal for three days. Then they kill the animal, take some of the blood and put a sign for God on the doorposts of their homes. Preparation for the feast begins before the meal.

Sheep Pen in Jordan

As the family sets up their meal more spiritual preparation takes place. They are to prepare to leave Egypt in haste as they eat their supper. The Hebrew people are about to become pilgrims of the desert who are completely dependent on God. They are also to eat only unleavened bread for seven days restricting the most basic of all foods, bread, to a just barely food item.

Sharing the Passover at Central Methodist, Mooresville, NC

The Lord told Israel, “when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’” (Ex 12:26-27)

Sharing the Passover in New Orleans

The Passover dinner is to be a time for meeting with God. From the beginnings of preparation to the conclusion of the Seder this event is to teach about and celebrate God. At times I see advertized a thirty minute, or a fifteen minute Haggadah. But these are too brief and miss the point. To shortchange Passover would be the same as to skip a Sabbath meal to spend the evening shopping.

A Skit during the telling of the Passover Srory

When I lead Passover Seders in churches one of the things I offer them is a seven day plan for spiritual preparation. Only a few people have participated in this opportunity. I feel I must offer it anyway because God desires growth in our lives, even if this takes self denial. The Lord desires we live a better life, not a pampered life.

Wine Glass and Sabbath Candles at Passover

The Seder service is built on understanding the multitude of ways God has cared for us so we can give thanks and praise. The service begins with thanks, and then proceeds to share with us what life was like during Israel’s days of slavery. As the Seder progresses participants move from physical concern to spiritual cleansing. This is shown through the two hand washings of the evening. The first is to clean hands, the second is to clean the heart.

As we approach the Passover season, I ask how you will grow spiritually this season. How will you bring the annual Seder from placement as an annual event to being a springboard to a closer relationship with God.

Stories in Israel

I have visited Israel three times. The first two visits were with a tour group (please join us for a great experience!), and my most recent trip to Israel was with just my two daughters. Every visit was unique and a great experience. I could share many stories from each visit, but in order not to bore you, I am only sharing a few in today’s blog.

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First: A trip to Israel is a multi-day event. We will spend ten to fourteen days with several other people, several we have never met before. We will eat with them, tour with them, and talk to them. The result will hopefully be new friends. On my first trip to Israel, I traveled with my family and two couples I knew from my church. I met many other new friends. In the four years since the trip ended, several friends have visited us as they passed through the area in which we live. I have also communicated via Facebook and other means with new friends.

Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives

Second: For many the trip starts as a tour, a simple excursion. They may think that this journey will be just like any other, but it will not. During the trip sometime and somewhere, travelers will realize, “It was here!”

First view of Jerusalem from the East

I remember two distinct times when I realized a biblical event had occurred exactly where I was standing . On the sixth day of the first trip, we ascended in altitude four thousand feet from the Jordan River along several miles to the district of Jerusalem. We rounded a curve in the road and the site of the Temple came into view before us. It was then I realized, “It was here!” This is the place! This is Mount Moriah where God saved the life of Isaac, the place where Solomon built the first Temple, and the site of the second Temple where Jesus worshipped and taught! The reality sunk in as we approached closer to the Temple. This trip to Israel helped me to understand the Bible in a deeper and different way. A love for God’s word and acts which was surface before grew much deeper.

Western Wall in Jerusalem

On the second trip I had a similar realization atop Mount Nebo. A round stone marked the spot where Moses might have stood, but the realization went beyond the innuendo “might have” to the conclusion, “It was here!” I stood at the site and saw the same land envisioned through God by Moses 3,500 years before. The story is true and beyond words. I can be assured that the events of the Bible are true.

Top of Mount Nebo where Moses stood

I do not know where, I do not know how, but I do know in all probability that when you travel to Israel it will happen when least expected, and you will realize, “It was here!” Please join me on this trip.

Pool in Ein Gedi where King David stood by waterfalls

Third: On day five of my upcoming trip to Israel my daughter and I will return to Ein Gedi. On our first two tours the brochure said we would “hike in the valley, enjoy the waterfalls and soaking our feet in the cool waters.” On the first trip we soaked our feet and observed the swimmers in the clear pool where King David swam. On the second trip we wore swimsuits and stood under the waterfall where we were supposedly only going to “dip our feet.” We will do the same on our upcoming trip. I hope you will also bring your swimsuit along to Ein Gedi!

Western Wall of Jerusalem at Night

Fourth: Trips with John Delancey are unique because we do not only tour during the day, as is normal and the expected for organized tours. But during our past trips, and on this future trip, we will also take night walks. We will take an early walk to the Western Wall (Kotel) and we will visit overlooks to gain a panoramic view of Jerusalem.

Mamilla Mall in Jerusalem

When a night walk on our first trip repeated a place where we had been the day before, my daughters and I walked on Ha-Nevi’im Street (Street of the Prophets) to the downtown pedestrian mall, Ben Yehudah. We saw traditional neighborhoods alive with life in the middle of the night as well as modern Jerusalem. We stopped in modern shops to bargain with merchants and purchase souvenirs at a very reasonable price, we ate ice cream, and we saw young dancers spontaneously dancing and celebrating life (l’chaim!).

Dancers on Ben Yehudah Mall in Jerusalem

The night walk was fun, full of life, and we became one with the people who live in Jerusalem.

Mamilla Mall in Jerusalem

Fifth: During our non-tour trip this past summer, we took a detourto the village of Yavneh, the site where the great council of the Jewish Sanhedrin met after Jerusalem fell. It is said that the canon of the Jewish scripture was formed here. A nineteenth prayer was added to the traditional Amidah (the Standing Prayer, also known as the Shmoneh Esreh, or Eighteen Benedictions - this is one of the main prayers recited daily) and the Rabbis debated and set forth an idea to solve the dilemma of the destroyed altar and missing High Priesthood.

Yavneh, Israel

The historic site was nothing but a mound of dirt called a Tel. It had not been excavated and trails which went to the top were filled with briars, but we did see the place and knew what it once was.

Finding lunch at Yavneh, Israel

I asked my daughters if they wanted to eat in town and we decided to find a place in town. Only one man, a customer, spoke English. He spent his time with us amazed that tourists would come there. He was honored. Chelsea was able to practice her Hebrew and ordered dinner - and we were rewarded with an excellent meal. We ordered Kabobs, and they turned out to be the best shawarma in all of Israel.

More stories will be made in May 2018. Please sign up for this trip. The details can be found at this link.

Preparation for a Church Passover

Passover is a festival that is mentioned throughout the entire Bible, yet most churches only keep the Lord's Supper as the remnant of this incredibly rich holiday. Most Christians have never seen a Passover demonstration, which adds to the knowledge of the Bible and Lord's Supper, adding depth to the faith. Far fewer Christians have experienced an actual Passover dinner. These facts show a huge void in a complete understanding of both the Old Testament Passover Seder and the New Testament celebration called the Lord’s Supper.

Communion is a regular part of church worship

The Passover is an enduring event. People have gathered around the dinner table for over 3.500 years. This one event has been credited with building a stronger Judaism and in some cases, keeping the faith alive. I have written a guide to help churches organize Passover Seders entitled A Christian Passover in the Jewish Tradition

This book shares leader instructions and insights to Passover

Churches should attempt at least once every 3-4 years to hold a Passover event. Such an event  helps people better understand the Old Testament and the background of the Communion. A church supper held around the dinner table in order to teach faith could also provide a great model for Christian homes.

A special speaker at a church supper celebrating Passover

The Passover celebration could be shared as a presentation in worship service (least memorable), a reenactment with communion and other elements in a worship service (more participatory), or a meal where people tell the story and eat together (most memorable and participatory). The meal can be held as a whole church event, or in larger churches the supper could be held by individual or combined small groups. When people sit down together as families around the Passover meal they create memories, build a stronger understanding of the Bible, and grow closer in their relationships with God.

Reenacting Jesus' last Passover including Communion

The first step in holding a Passover event is to place it on the calendar. The second step is to decide what kind of event it will be: worship only, reenactment, or dinner. The third step is to designate a leader for the event. Will the Pastor or a Church member lead the Seder, or will the church invite an outside speaker?

Children should be part of a Church Passover event

At this point, the church needs to decide who will come to the Passover Seder. Will only church members be invited to attend (not recommended), or will the event be opened to the larger community? I encourage people to hold an open event, and encourage regular church attenders to invite guests to the special supper. It should be publicized in the church for at least five weeks. Publicity should include bulletin, newsletter, small group announcements, postcards, e-mails (both surface mail and electronic media are important), facebook, twitter, instagram, and phone calls. People should be invited to share with others through social media. A public service article should also be placed in newspapers and radio stations in the area. Let the world know about this special event. Jesus said to “Go into all the world,” and a special event like Passover is one way churches can obey this commandment.

A menu needs to be set for the meal. The meal could be covered dish (no leavened bread), cooked at the church or catered. If the dinner is held by a small group the dinner could be held in a home or a private room in a restaurant. The meal should be well planned as this is similar to a Thanksgiving event with quality and quantity planned for the evening. China plates, cloth napkins and real silver are not inappropriate.

Special foods of the Passover

Special foods are needed for the supper. These include wine (grape juice), bitter herbs (horseradish), Charoset (an apple and nuts mixture or applesauce with cinnamon), greens (parsley), salt water, Matzoh (unleavened bread), the shankbone of a lamb and an egg (or eggs). A good Passover Haggadah such as A Christian Passover in the Jewish Tradition contain instructions for setting up the table. An instruction page I share with churches is shown below.

Instructions for setting up for a Church Passover

The room should be set up with two places in view of each person. One place is for the leader, the second place is for “Elijah” who will “make a visit” as described in the Passover Haggadah. Places should be set up for each person expected for the meal. At each place include a spoon, napkin, a small cup with wine, and small plate with Horseradish, apple mixture, and greens (these can also be made available for each place or served from the head table according to size of the group). Salt water should be available to each person for dipping.  A plan should be made to refill the wine cups and for each person to be able to wash their hands at least twice during the service.

Creativity and beauty in Communion and Passover

It is good to involve people in the Passover Seder presentation or dinner. People participate in meals by eating. As a preliminary to the meal, and part of the worship service, people taste different foods as meanings are explained.

Books to help lead a Church Passover

In Jewish services people are encouraged to participate through responsive readings. I have included responsive readings on my 99¢  participant books available on Kindle (these books do not contain all the leader material). I always have people read the Hallel Psalms responsively. I also include people by assigning individuals to read parts of the four questions and four sons. In two of my presentations on the Passover story, participants are assigned parts and props so the story does not seem so long. All the parts and props must be assembled in preparation before the meal.

Sample Passover Bulletin (inside portion)

When I lead a Passover Seder in a church, I send a personalized program for churches to duplicate. The bulletin includes sections of responsive readings and also information which participants would want to know about the Passover. When I began leading Seders, I made booklets for each individual. I have since found that a legal sized piece of paper printed on both sides is adequate for what most people need. (If you would like me to lead a Passover Seder at your church, please contact me).

Eretz Yisrael

From the very first day of our trip to Israel (May 5-18, 2017) we will discover Israel is a land of contrasts. We will see the very new and the very old. Upon departure from Ben Gurion airport we will travel the modern road system into Tel-Aviv. Our first stop in Tel-Aviv is the Palmach Museum on the campus of Tel-Aviv University.

Along the way we will see the scenery of “Eretz Yisrael” (the land of Israel). Eretz Yisrael enjoys a semi-tropical climate which allows the people of the land to plant a variety of flowering trees and bushes.

While most of the land is arid, the Hebrew people work hard to create beauty wherever they can. The flowering trees and bushes seen in this blog are on the campus of Eretz Israel Museum which is on the campus of Tel-Aviv University. We will pass this location on our way to the Palmach Museum.

Contained at the corner of the Museum is what remains of an early archaeological dig, known as Tel Quasile. The original excavation promoted by Lady Hester Stanhope took place in 1948.

Tel Quasile is the remains of a port city located on the banks of the Yarkon River. The city was located a few miles away from the Mediterranean Sea in order to protect it from waves and from raiders who might attack the city.

Today the ruins contain mostly foundations, but there is signage that gives an explanation about the purposes the buildings held. Among the ruins there are various displays, as well as more recent buildings. One of the displays is an olive press where the visitor can see various methods used to draw oil from this valuable fruit.

The museum contains many displays and buildings that show the history of Eretz Yisrael. Displays show agricultural tools, as well as glass making and other crafts.

There is also a building with an exhibit that tells the history of how the Rothschild family of Europe supported farming within the Plain of Sharon. These enterprises drew settlers and gave rise to the modern nation of Israel.

We will discover at the Palmach Museum how the settlers who came to Eretz Yisrael in order to farm the land were forced to protect themselves against Palestinians who desired to eradicate the intruders.

Eretz Yisrael Museum is located in a very beautiful setting on the north side of Tel-Aviv.

Just south of the University we will pass through Yarkon River Park on our way into Tel-Aviv. This park is called the Central Park of Tel-Aviv and contains many recreational fields, walking trails and a zoo.

We will find very beautiful sights as we travel the different regions of Eretz Yisrael. Yarkon River Park is but a taste of what lay ahead of us on this trip.

Preparation for a Passover Meal

Passover is a unique event which most churches have yet to discover. Communion, the Lord’s Supper and Eucharist originate from a section of the Passover celebration. The teaching of the Jewish people shared during the Passover can add great understanding to the meaning of the bread and the cup which Christians share regularly.

Most churches have never had a Passover Seder demonstrated for them, and therefore fear what this event might bring. The event is not designed to make people “more Old Testament,” convert Christians to Judaism, or to pull them away from their current church. The program is designed for people to have a better understanding of their own faith. The first step to preparation for a Passover Seder is to contact someone who can lead this for your church. If your church would like a Passover Dinner, click this link.

The desire to celebrate the Passover as a supper is worthy for a church because when Christians come together with one heart and mind in this expanded format of the Lord’s Supper they gain a larger picture of the event and grasp a fuller understanding of the meaning behind the bread and the cup. The story told during the Passover sets up a dialogue on how the freeing of the Jewish people from slavery and liberation from bondage to sin enable a believer to take their first steps in a journey with the Lord God.  Bringing the dream of a community dinner around the Passover observance is the first step in preparation for a church Passover meal.

The next steps get more practical, like what day should the event happen, who should lead the event and who should be invited to the Passover. For a large group the event needs to be calendared in advance and personnel enlisted for shopping, publicity, cooking and cleanup. A list should be made of the group selected for participation. This can be a family, a fellowship group, or the entire church. In the spirit of evangelism people from the community (probably people who are not Christians) should be invited to the event. Mailing lists, facebook posts, twitter feeds and e-mails with blogs and information should be planned and sent as scheduled. Personal invitations always build a larger and more complete participatory group.

For a church there are several ways to do a Passover presentation. For those who just want to get their toes wet, a speaker could be invited to give a presentation during the time of the sermon. The serving of the Lord’s Supper could be a part of this presentation. I personally think a great deal is lost when Passover is placed in the foreign environment of a church presentation with no personal involvement.

The original Passover was shared in the context of a meal. For us this meal was “no skimping” (except for bread) a full supper like a Thanksgiving dinner. A church or fellowship group must decide what type of meal they want and how it will be prepared. The two most common ways to prepare a meal are to organize a “covered dish” event or to enlist a cook for the meal. The Passover can also be held at a restaurant or as a catered event.

The two things I ask people to avoid during Passovers I lead are bread and pork products. To avoid bread or leavening is part of the teaching of the Passover. Tradition says the Jewish people left Egypt in such haste they did not have time to let their bread rise. Matzoh, an unleavened bread is served in place of our normal staple. The Jewish people replace traditional flour with Matzoh meal during the seven days of the festival. We know for a fact that Jesus would have done this.

One preparation for Passover which I all too often forget are the printed programs. During the home Seder a booklet called a Haggadah is given to each participant. These booklets are read during the meal and parts are given to different individuals. Participation adds to the festival and is part of the reason this celebration is much more effective around the dinner table than in an auditorium. I have published a participant's Haggadah available on Kindle for a very low cost.

I am a big believer that people can receive more benefit from activities by advance preparation. I have outlined in this blog post several areas to help people prepare for a Passover Seder. On February 20, I will detail some things which need to be on the table during a Passover celebration. These can be found in my book “A Christian Passover in the Jewish Tradition.” Most people who regularly lead Passover Seders will walk groups through practical preparation for a small group or church event.

The one area of preparation many people forget is in all probability the most important, spiritual preparation. The Jewish Rabbis of the first century gave great attention to preparation, I think because practical preparation for Passover leads to prayer which is the keystone of spiritual preparation. I will write more on spiritual preparation in a blog to be published February 24. I have published seven previous blogs to prepare for Passover. These are available for free  beginning with a March 8, 2015 blog (to view click here).

I can not emphasize enough the spiritual growth and understanding which comes through participation in a traditionally (or Messianic) observed Passover Seder. I will be glad to help you set one up, contact me for help or if you have questions.